September 2020

This Month's Headlines:

Hats Off!
The Homestretch
Hometown Spirit Nominees Wanted!
Seeking Your Input
Wastewater Report
Film Festival, Virtually!
Love to Bike?
Need Assistance?
Conservation Corner
S hare With Us

Hats Off!

To honor Class of 2020 high school seniors in Cary, the Town collected hundreds of graduation photos from students at local high schools. The images were compiled into a larger-than-life showcase outside the Cary Arts Center during the months of July and August. Accompanying the showcase was a display of school colors in the Downtown Park fountain. Those honored included students from the following schools:

Middle Creek High School
Cary High School
Panther Creek High School
Green Hope High School
Cary seniors from other area high schools

In addition, The Cary Theater displayed a message of congratulations in accordance with the schedule of showcased photos at the Cary Arts Center.

Thank you for your support in recognizing the classes of 2020 in a special and unique way during this time of COVID-19.

The Homestretch

In July, Cary reached a 75% self-response rate to the 2020 Census -- which is close to our goal of 82%! With a final data collection deadline of September 30 fast approaching, census takers have begun visiting households that have not yet responded to the census. Here are some things you can expect if you are visited by a census taker:

They will be wearing masks and socially distancing.
They will have a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.
They will ask questions related to your name, age, race, and sex. No questions about citizenship, social security number, or bank information will be asked.
They will visit only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Other reminders:

If the census taker who visits your home does not speak your language, you may request a return visit from a census taker who does speak your language.
If you have questions about a census taker’s identity, please call 1-844-330-2020 to speak with a Census Bureau representative.
If you respond online or by phone today, a census taker is less likely to visit you.

www.2020census.gov

Hometown Spirit Nominees Wanted!

It's not too late! We are still accepting nominations for our Hometown Spirit Award now through September 23. Nominees must be age 21 or older and should demonstrate qualities such as helping neighbors, showing hospitality, promoting a sense of community, and displaying patriotism. A panel will select the award winner after the nomination period ends. All nominees will be recognized and the Hometown Spirit award winner will be announced in November. to enter a nominee online, visit www.townofcary.org/spirit or call (919) 469-4011.

Seeking Your Input

The Town of Cary is seeking public input, as part of the Chapel Hill Road Mobility Study, to re-imagine Chapel Hill Road, inside the Maynard Road loop. Help us create the vision for this corridor by participating in a short survey. Your answers will help determine the priorities and needs of those who live, work, and play in the area. Visit www.townofcary.org/CHRsurvey before September 21 to take the survey!

Wastewater Report

Curious about what happens to the wastewater that goes down the drain? Get the facts in our Annual Wastewater Report. The report summarizes our system’s performance and provides quick facts, descriptions of our treatment facilities, and tips to keep the system working smoothly and the environment free from sewer spills. With your help and staff’s quick response to sewer blockages and overflows, last year we reduced the number and volume of reportable spills. We are proud that our system continues to surpass federal and state requirements to protect your health and the environment. Visit www.townofcary.org/wastewaterreport to see the full report.

Film Festival, Virtually!

The Cary Theater's BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival will now be on a virtual platform September 24-27. It will feature curated feature films and independently produced short films and screenplays. The festival includes virtual workshops and Q&As with filmmakers, a special virtual table read of the screenwriting competition winner, and much more! www.beyondthefilmfestival.com

Love to Bike?

Do you have a new bike or are you wanting to get back on the road? Visit the new Bike Cary website at www.townofcary.org/bikecary for education, safety tips, maps, and more. While you're there, take a minute to participate in a survey that will help Cary plan a safe and comfortable bike network for all ages and abilities. Keep trekking! www.townofcary.org/bikecarysurvey

Need Assistance?

Help is available for citizens impacted financially by the pandemic. For complete details, visit www.townofcary.org/assistanceprograms.

Conservation Corner

Fertilizing this Fall?
Excess and stray fertilizer becomes a pollutant when washed into storm drains that lead to our waterways. Smart fertilizing helps keep our streams healthy and our lawns lush. Follow manufacturer guidelines to apply the right amount, and sweep fertilizer that falls on hard surfaces back onto your lawn.

Loose Leaf Schedule @ Cary Collects
Leaf season is right around the corner! Knowing when we’ll be collecting at your curb is just a click away at www.townofcary.org/collects. And, print or add your collection schedule to your personal iCal, Google, or Outlook calendar. You can also set collection day notifications, even during holiday changes. Cary Collects is your digital tool that replaces the annually mailed loose leaf map and schedule. Download the free app for your mobile device today!

Share With Us

Citizens and businesses are encouraged to share their budget priorities with the Town at any point in the year, and we’ll share what we hear with Town Council through quarterly reporting. The Town’s budget runs from July 1 through June 30. Let us hear from you! www.townofcary.org/budget.

Email: budgetinput@townofcary.org
Phone: (919) 469-4307
Twitter: @TownofCary with #TOCbudget
Facebook: facebook.com/TownofCaryNC
Public Speaks Out: Speak out at a Town Council meeting